Hammerhead
New member
I just picked up my GP100 on Friday. Very pleased so far. Very comfortable in recoil, well built, good trigger, likes my handloads.
Which .357
- Thread starter softouch
- Start date
What about one of these? http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/115858/c/firearms
I'm tempted to buy one myself at that price.
I'm tempted to buy one myself at that price.
For concealed carry I would recommend the Ruger SP101. I had one with the 3.06 barrel and it worked perfectly. Full house 357 loads were very stout but manageable. The Ruger GP100 with a 4'' barrel would be more suited to handle 357 loads. I have one with a 6'' barrel and it handles great.
seeker_two
New member
If only for home & range use, get the GP100 or 686. Both will hold up to several lifetimes of magnum rounds.
Add CCW to the mix, you'll want the SP101 or 60. They'll hold up to a lot of magnums, but you might not.
Another choice for CCW is the Ruger LCR in .357mag. Much easier to carry....but much harder to shoot with magnums. And more affordable than the S&W exotic-alloy guns.
Add CCW to the mix, you'll want the SP101 or 60. They'll hold up to a lot of magnums, but you might not.
Another choice for CCW is the Ruger LCR in .357mag. Much easier to carry....but much harder to shoot with magnums. And more affordable than the S&W exotic-alloy guns.
Winchester_73
New member
For whatever reason, the OP wants to buy new. However, used guns are usually the way to go for many reasons. For example, the model 66 is no longer made, and out of all my of 357s, its my favorite all purpose 357. I also have a 686 and the 66 is much lighter. Its everything that you need, and nothing that you don't. Its like the difference between a light ergonomic cutlass and a big heavy cavalry saber. It basically feels like an extension of your right arm, if that makes any sense. They can be had for good prices too. I've owned a Python, Colt model 357, Trooper MKIII, S&W 27/28, S&W 586/686 and 2 S&W 19s, and I prefer the 66. I like the durability of the SS finish although I don't care for the industrial look of SS. A 686 is a fine revolver, but I think its too heavy for carry. Regarding the model 60 357, I'd rather carry a J frame with 38+P myself but any S&W is a good choice. I never owned a Ruger, and I think they are fine guns, but they are bigger / heavier than whats needed. Contrary to popular belief, they are not heavier because they are "better made". The ad below explains it well.
Here is the truth about Ruger's heft
Here is why you should buy a S&W 357 magnum for $60
And the last reason to get a S&W: If its good enough for Patton, its good enough for you
Here is the truth about Ruger's heft
Here is why you should buy a S&W 357 magnum for $60
And the last reason to get a S&W: If its good enough for Patton, its good enough for you
riddleofsteel
New member
How about a custom Ruger SP101 from Jack Weigand or Gemini Customs. This is a "Tame the Beast" conversion with Hybra ports, DAO, bobbed hammer, action job, lightened spring package and a coco bolo Hogue monogrip.
smooth as butter......
carried in a Murph's modified pancake holster with a Galco 2x2x2 belt ammo carrier
Those full house 125 grain .357 Mag rounds that regularly pound the palms of snubbie users are a piece of cake in these revolvers. I can fire five Federal 125 grain JHP's double action into a tight group as fast as I can roll the trigger over. With the Hybra ports muzzle rise is near zero.
smooth as butter......
carried in a Murph's modified pancake holster with a Galco 2x2x2 belt ammo carrier
Those full house 125 grain .357 Mag rounds that regularly pound the palms of snubbie users are a piece of cake in these revolvers. I can fire five Federal 125 grain JHP's double action into a tight group as fast as I can roll the trigger over. With the Hybra ports muzzle rise is near zero.
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The answer depends on a number of factors including who will be using the gun (just you, your significant other, children of appropriate age, etc.), how do you plan to carry the gun (pocket, IWB, OWB, shoulder holster, ankle, etc.), and how well do you tolerate recoil.
As far as brand goes, I'd recommend either S&W or Ruger. That is not to say that the others you listed are not quality firearms, but I have enough experience with both S&W and Ruger to confidently say that both build a quality firearm and stand behind their products. While both S&W and Ruger are excellent firearms, they do have distinctly different feel and recoil characteristics. You should handle and, if possible, fire both before purchasing in order to decide which brand fits you better.
Who will be expected to use the gun, how much recoil can they tolerate, and how much hand strength do they have? The larger frame guns like the S&W 686 and Ruger GP100 will have lighter DA triggers than their smaller counterparts like the S&W M60 and Ruger SP101 thus making them better suited to people with limited hand strength. Likewise, the larger, heavier guns will dampen recoil better thus making them better suited to recoil-sensitive shooters.
How do you plan to carry the gun? If you plan to carry in a pocket or on an ankle, the small-frame guns like the Ruger SP101 and S&W M60 are likely the only practical choices unless you have particularly large pockets/pantlegs. Likewise, carrying a revolvers with a barrel much longer than 2-2 1/2" in a pocket or on an ankle can be quite difficult. Conversely, if you are going to carry the gun on a belt (either IWB or OWB) or in a shoulder rig, the larger guns will be advantageous due to their better triggers, reduced recoil, and extra capacity. Likewise, revolvers with 3" barrels are no less practical for IWB, OWB, or shoulder carry than their shorter-barrel counterparts but also add the advantages of slightly higher velocity, longer sight radius, and full-length ejector rods.
As far as brand goes, I'd recommend either S&W or Ruger. That is not to say that the others you listed are not quality firearms, but I have enough experience with both S&W and Ruger to confidently say that both build a quality firearm and stand behind their products. While both S&W and Ruger are excellent firearms, they do have distinctly different feel and recoil characteristics. You should handle and, if possible, fire both before purchasing in order to decide which brand fits you better.
Who will be expected to use the gun, how much recoil can they tolerate, and how much hand strength do they have? The larger frame guns like the S&W 686 and Ruger GP100 will have lighter DA triggers than their smaller counterparts like the S&W M60 and Ruger SP101 thus making them better suited to people with limited hand strength. Likewise, the larger, heavier guns will dampen recoil better thus making them better suited to recoil-sensitive shooters.
How do you plan to carry the gun? If you plan to carry in a pocket or on an ankle, the small-frame guns like the Ruger SP101 and S&W M60 are likely the only practical choices unless you have particularly large pockets/pantlegs. Likewise, carrying a revolvers with a barrel much longer than 2-2 1/2" in a pocket or on an ankle can be quite difficult. Conversely, if you are going to carry the gun on a belt (either IWB or OWB) or in a shoulder rig, the larger guns will be advantageous due to their better triggers, reduced recoil, and extra capacity. Likewise, revolvers with 3" barrels are no less practical for IWB, OWB, or shoulder carry than their shorter-barrel counterparts but also add the advantages of slightly higher velocity, longer sight radius, and full-length ejector rods.
Clifford L. Hughes
New member
wording
Soft touch:
If I were you I'd look for Smith K frame with a 2 1/2 barrel in either the model 66 or the 19 and maybe the model 10. They are heavy enough to be pleasant to shoot and lite enough to carry concealed.
Semper Fi.
Gunnery Sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
Soft touch:
If I were you I'd look for Smith K frame with a 2 1/2 barrel in either the model 66 or the 19 and maybe the model 10. They are heavy enough to be pleasant to shoot and lite enough to carry concealed.
Semper Fi.
Gunnery Sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
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Walklightly
Moderator
They mad or make a 3"? I have a 2" 461, and I replaced it with a Ruger SP101 3".
If you live in Vegas, I'll give you a good deal on my Warranty replacement 461, barely been fired.
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
My vote is for an SP101 for CC and a GP100 for everything else.
Stressfire
New member
I do alright with my 4" GP100 for carry - no, its not fun to tote around all day but for the few hours I am out of the house other than work (where it has to wait in the car anyways), it is tolerable.
Concealment is not a huge issue, 6'2" 200lb frame can hide darn near anything, but then again, I don't live in a state where I will be jailed if someone sees my butt
I looked at the SP101 as well, but found that my thumb could not comfortably reach the hammer spur - the GP fits my orangutan-like hands a bit better.
Concealment is not a huge issue, 6'2" 200lb frame can hide darn near anything, but then again, I don't live in a state where I will be jailed if someone sees my butt
I looked at the SP101 as well, but found that my thumb could not comfortably reach the hammer spur - the GP fits my orangutan-like hands a bit better.
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
You must have the worlds shortest thumbs then.
It's better to use your left thumb anyway, that way you don't mess up your grip with your right hand.
Jayhawkhuntclub
New member
I argree with the Smith or Ruger comments. The others may be fine. But I know you'll almost certainly be happy with a Smith or Ruger. Based on your criteria, I'd go with a 3" 686.
No question, because I already own a Rossi 462, 2" stainless 6 shot revolver. I carry it often,although I mostly load it with .38Spl +P's. I have been shooting handguns for almost 45 years- Smiths, Colts, Rugers and many more- and that little Rossi is first rate, especially after I changed the hammer spring for one from Wolff. Solid, reliable, well made, accurate.
Have it going on 2 years, not a problem with it at all.
My old Smiths stay home, and my Rossi goes along for the ride. FWIW, this is my 3rd Rossi and I have one of their .357 Mag lever rifles ordered and on the way.
mark
Have it going on 2 years, not a problem with it at all.
My old Smiths stay home, and my Rossi goes along for the ride. FWIW, this is my 3rd Rossi and I have one of their .357 Mag lever rifles ordered and on the way.
mark
rugersp101
New member
3" gp100
